Kyle Walker ready to sacrifice right-back role

England defender Kyle Walker is ready to sacrifice his preferred right-back spot and play as a centre-half at his first World Cup, the 28-year-old has said.

A key member of Manchester City's title-winning team last season, Walker has been deployed as a right-sided centre-back in a back-three by manager Gareth Southgate and is likely to retain the spot against Tunisia in their Group G opener on Monday.

"I have been playing professionally since I was 18 at right-back, so to go to your first World Cup and probably not play in your preferred position... is... well, not disappointing but a little bit of a step back," Walker told British media.

"I have to move on from it... as long as the manager feels it is going to benefit the team, then why not?"